Comarsa executives to face trial for oil waste contamination

A Neuquén judge has ordered the case against Compañía de Saneamiento y Recuperación de Materiales (Comarsa) to proceed to oral trial. The owner and two former executives face charges of environmental contamination that poses risks to public health.

The prosecution alleges that the company, which is licensed to treat hydrocarbon-contaminated soil, transitioned from a treatment plant into a massive storage site. It is accused of accumulating large quantities of untreated oil waste across 17 hectares, both within its own premises and on adjacent lands.

According to the fiscalía, the company allegedly issued fictitious certificates to oil operators, such as YPF, to hide the accumulation of unprocessed material. The upcoming trial is expected to involve approximately 150 witnesses and experts to examine the environmental impact and the company's handling of hazardous residues generated by fracking activities in the Vaca Muerta region.